Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Asian-Inspired Surf and Turf Delight?
The dish features tender filet mignon and succulent medium shrimp.
How much filet mignon is required for this recipe?
You will need four filet mignons, each weighing approximately 4 ounces.
What is the recommended preparation for the steaks before cooking?
Pat the filet mignon dry with paper towels and coat both sides with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
What ingredients make up the shrimp topping?
The topping consists of chopped shrimp, ground Szechuan peppercorns, minced scallions, minced ginger, minced garlic, and soy sauce.
What is used to thicken the savory sauce?
A mixture of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of rice wine (or water) is used as a thickener.
What are the primary liquid components of the sauce?
The sauce includes low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
How long should the steaks be broiled on the first side?
Broil the seasoned filet mignon for about 4 minutes on the first side until seared and browned.
How long do you cook the second side of the steak before adding the topping?
Flip the filets and broil for an additional 3 minutes before applying the shrimp mixture.
How long does the shrimp topping need to cook under the broiler?
The shrimp topping should be broiled for approximately one minute until opaque and lightly browned.
What is the target doneness for the meat in this recipe?
The instructions are designed to result in perfectly medium-rare meat.
Which aromatics are stir-fried for the sauce?
A mixture of minced scallions, minced ginger, and minced garlic is stir-fried to start the sauce.
How long should you stir-fry the aromatics?
Stir-fry the scallion-ginger-garlic mixture for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
How much sauce should be served on each steak?
Spoon 2 tablespoons of the sauce onto each steak and serve the rest on the side.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This dish was inspired by a recipe in 'Steak Lover's Cookbook' by William Rice.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, you can use low-sodium vegetable broth as an alternative to chicken broth.
What type of peppercorns are used for the shrimp topping?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground Szechuan peppercorns.
How much shrimp is needed for the topping?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of medium shrimp, peeled and chopped.
What is the purpose of the rice wine?
Rice wine is mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening the sauce.
Is sesame oil used for frying?
No, sesame oil is used in the sauce mixture for flavoring rather than high-heat frying.
How much oyster sauce is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of oyster sauce for the savory liquid mixture.
What type of cooking vessel is recommended for the sauce?
A heated wok or a large skillet is recommended for preparing the sauce.
How many scallions are needed in total?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup minced for the topping and 1/4 cup minced for the sauce aromatics.
Is this recipe considered quick?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, taking only a few minutes per side under the broiler.
Can this recipe be served for special occasions?
Yes, it is specifically suggested for special occasions or romantic dinners at home.
How much ginger is used for the shrimp topping specifically?
Two teaspoons of minced ginger are added to the shrimp topping mixture.
How much garlic is used for the sauce aromatics?
One tablespoon of minced garlic is combined with scallions and ginger for the sauce base.
Should the steaks be at room temperature?
The recipe instructs to pat them dry and coat with oil; typically, steaks sear better if not straight from the fridge.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 distinct ingredients listed for this recipe.
What kind of oil is used for the stir-fry step?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil for the final stir-fry of the aromatics.
How long does the sauce take to thicken once the slurry is added?
The sauce should thicken in approximately 1 minute after incorporating the cornstarch mixture.